Estonian Patrol Boat Sinks Off Greek Island Near Turkish Coast

By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk

An Estonian border guard vessel participating in a European Union border agency operation sank in the eastern Aegean Sea on Monday afternoon. All five people on board were rescued, but four required hospital treatment.

The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. local time near Megisti, a small Greek island located roughly two kilometres from the Turkish mainland. The island is also known as Kastellorizo.

Crew and Passengers

The boat carried a three-member Estonian crew from the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), one Greek border guard, and a guest: Karin Rannu, Estonia's ambassador to Greece. Rannu sustained minor injuries. Two Estonian crew members were assessed as being in serious condition.

The vessel capsized and subsequently sank. Those on board escaped independently. One crew member called for assistance, and the local coast guard responded. Four people were evacuated by helicopter to hospital facilities.

Circumstances Under Investigation

PPA Director General Veiko Kommusaar confirmed the incident was serious and said authorities are working to establish the cause.

Greek public broadcaster ERT reported the boat may have struck a dry dock structure while entering or exiting the port, causing it to take on water.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna thanked Greek first responders and said Estonian authorities would cooperate with their Greek counterparts in the investigation.

Frontex Presence

Estonia has contributed personnel and vessels to Frontex operations in Greece since 2016. The EU border agency conducts joint patrols across the bloc's external frontiers, including in the Aegean Sea, where migration routes from Türkiye have driven surveillance activity for over a decade.

The waters around Megisti sit at one of the narrowest points between Greek and Turkish territory. The island has periodically featured in bilateral disputes over maritime boundaries and airspace.